Middle America

To bring the federal deficit down, taxes must go up on the rich. But "rich" means very different things in different parts of the country. You need not pity the poor Wall Streeter just scraping by on $1 million -- but average New Yorkers really are getting disproportionately slammed by the tax man.

J.C. Penney is betting on iconic domestic diva Martha Stewart to help reinvent the staid department store concept, and in turn, how America shops. Their partnership is the first bold move from new CEO Ron Johnson -- but can it work?

The jcp design groupe is bringing legitimate fashion cred to the retailer, with trendy looks that rival higher-end, higher-priced chains. Follow their new camel cape from conception to consumer with us and you'll get the message they're sending: This is not your mother's J.C. Penney.